Here a winged adult is just lifting the lid for its first peek at the
world. Isn't it amazing that they already know everything they need to
perpetuate their species ?
Without Parents, Teachers, or government interference. Just imagine it
knowing how to walk and fly, and the many months it takes to teach a
baby human to walk.
Here a winged adult is emerging from its cocoon, after chewing a nearly perfect circle from the end.
Within seconds, it will have flown away to find a mate, lay eggs in a
Horn Worm, and start the cycle all over again. A Miracle - right before
your eyes. Note that some cocoon ends are dark, indicating there is a
head inside contemplating its escape.
Upon
chewing the lid from the cocoon, these winged adults immediately take
flight. Elapsed time; often less than five seconds. Your shutter finger
must be quick to catch them before they are gone. Sometimes the lid is
removed, sometimes it is left hanging on by a small hinge.
These two Horn Worms are in the
final stages of predation. At left is a dead specimen which is turning
brown.
On the right can be seen open-ended cocoons, indicating that their 1/4"
occupants have emerged and flown away to mate and victimize more Tomato
Horn Worms.
BraconidWasp
